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INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Biomarkers and drugs in Africa

responses to therapeutic interventions. The discovery of treatments to individual patients based on their predicted
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immunoglobulin-free light chains in 75% of patients with response. 36
myeloma in a groundbreaking 1848 study marked the • Prognostic biomarkers:
detection of the first known biomarker. This breakthrough Prognostic biomarkers provide insights into the
paved the way for the discovery of numerous biomarkers likely course or outcome of a disease. They can aid in
across a wide range of diseases. Dr. Henry Bence-Jones understanding disease progression and in guiding decisions
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identified the immunoglobulin-free light chain in 1847, regarding the necessary aggressiveness of treatment. 36
and his research published the following year shed light on
this crucial biomarker. 35 4.3. Applications and importance of biomarkers
The definition of biomarkers has undergone significant Biomarkers play pivotal roles in numerous aspects of
revisions over the past 50 years, adapting to new scientific medical research and healthcare. 12
discoveries and clinical breakthroughs that have enhanced • Drug development:
our understanding of their role in healthcare. In 1973, In drug development, biomarkers are used to assess the
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Rho et al. used the term “biomarkers” for the 1 time and efficacy and safety of new drugs. They assist in identifying
st
defined it as the presence or absence of a specific biological potential targets for therapeutic intervention and in
material in the body. In the 20 century, scientists began monitoring treatment effects. 36
th
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using blood tests to detect substances such as cholesterol
and creatinine, which were among the earliest biomarkers • Disease monitoring:
used to understand and diagnose conditions related to Biomarkers are used to monitor disease progression and
heart and kidney functions. The advent of molecular treatment response. They provide valuable information
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profiling techniques in the 21 century has enabled the that can guide adjustments in therapy to improve patient
st
development of more precise and personalized biomarkers, outcomes. 36
facilitating advances in personalized medicine and targeted • Personalized medicine:
therapies. Today, biomarkers are utilized in a wide range Biomarkers in personalized medicine enable customized
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of fields, from medicine to environmental monitoring, treatment plans based on the individual characteristics of
illustrating their broad applicability and importance in the patient. This approach can lead to more effective and
various scientific disciplines. 36 targeted therapies, minimizing side effects and improving
overall health outcomes. 36
4.2. Types and characteristics of biomarkers
• Environmental monitoring:
There are several ways to categorize biomarkers based on Beyond healthcare, biomarkers are also used in
their functions. 12 environmental monitoring to assess the impact of
• Imaging biomarkers: pollutants and other environmental factors on human
Imaging biomarkers are used to visualize and measure health and ecosystems. 36
biological processes in the body. MRI, CT, and PET scans The ongoing research and development in the field
are non-invasive techniques that enable the observation of of biomarkers continue to expand their applications and
disease progression and response to therapy. 36 improve their accuracy, making them indispensable tools
• Molecular biomarkers: in modern science and medicine. 36
Molecular biomarkers include genes, proteins, and
other molecules that provide insights into the disease 4.4. Biomarkers in African diseases
state or treatment effects. They can be detected through Throughout history, biomarkers have become increasingly
blood tests, biopsies, or other samples and are crucial for precise and reliable, allowing for more specific and
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understanding the underlying mechanisms of diseases. 36 personalized approaches to medicine. An ideal biomarker
must meet certain criteria, including accessibility, specificity,
• Diagnostic biomarkers: and sensitivity to the investigated pathology and the ability
Diagnostic biomarkers are used to identify the presence 37
of a disease or condition and can aid in their early detection, to be translated from research to clinical practice. In sub-
Saharan Africa, the leading causes of illness and death
allowing for timely intervention and treatment. 36
include infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis
• Predictive biomarkers: (TB), and HIV infection as well as non-infectious diseases
Predictive biomarkers provide information on the such as diabetes and CVDs, which together account for the
likely response of patients to a particular treatment. They majority of the region’s disease burden. Early detection
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are essential in personalized medicine, helping tailor of specific biomarkers for Plasmodium infection is vital in

Volume 7 Issue 4 (2024) 5 doi: 10.36922/itps.3656